Noah’s First Forth Of July Firework Show

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Noah really enjoyed the show.

Childhood Memories

The Forth of July brings back good memories of my four brothers and I piling into our parents mini-van and heading over to the local firework show (early of course so we could get a good seat!) After we were bathed in Deep Woods Off, we dined on an endless supply of kool-aid cool bursts and ham sandwiches as we waited for the show to start! (By the way, there’s no smell on earth like the musty combination of sweat and Deep Woods Off!) As we sat in that hot Texas heat watching those fireworks we had fun. We made memories. Memories I still think about today.

Looking cute!

Making New Ones…

Today my wife and I made some of those same memories with our son, Noah. Although we wanted to go to Ft. Worth for their annual firework show on the Trinity River, we ended up heading down to Fair Park in Dallas. Abbie and I went to the show at Fair Park a few years back, and remembered it being great! But this year their show seemed really short. I think the City of Dallas shortened it from thirty minutes to fifteen. Budget cuts, maybe?

Luckily, my wife was carrying Noah in his carrier, because Dallas opposed a “no stroller” law for the firework show this year! Seriously, a no stroller law…?! I think the entire of city of Dallas decided to come out to Fair Park last night, (25,000 people showed up!) and it was quite a hike from the parking lot (which was someone’s front yard!) to the viewing area, so you can imagine how upset a lot of parents were, and rightfully so. If I had wheeled Noah in his stroller all that way (in 101 degree heat) and was told to go back to the car I wouldn’t have been happy either. Not a cool move Dallas.

Getting ready for some fireworks!

Every Firework Show Needs A Good Blanket

Once we were in, we lounged around on a really cool fold out “blanket” my wife bought! I’m not sure if you have ever brought a blanket somewhere before (fireworks, picnic, swimming, beach, etc..) to hang out on, but I’ve always found them awkward to carry, they get sand, dirt, grass, etc. all over the place, and are overall just a hassle. I have never seen one of these types of “blankets” before and thought it was a very smart purchase. I’m sure we’ll get a ton of use out of it over the years! I highly recommend it!

Fireworks!

Almost Show Time

We hung out for about an hour playing with Noah, and getting the camera ready for the show. I’ve never tried to take (good) pictures of fireworks before, and wanted to attempt a few shots of the show (and lots of our son!) However, once the show started we realized that our prime location wasn’t so prime after all. There was a huge oak tree between us and the fireworks! By the time we moved all of our stuff, reset up the tripod, and started to take pictures….the show was over! (Fifteen minutes goes by a lot faster than you’d think.) Regardless, we had a lot of fun. And made some new memories. So it’s a win.

We love these eyes!

Thoughts On Fatherhood

I’ve learned a lot about fatherhood over the last six months. Before Noah was born I wondered how I’d be at fatherhood. After Noah was born I wondered about how I’d be at fatherhood.” And I’m still wondering how I’m going to be at fatherhood. But….I’m quickly learning that fatherhood isn’t something someone can “be” good at. It’s something that you become good at. Moment by moment. Minute by minute. Day by day. It’s a process. And that’s ok. It’s a process I enjoy.

I just wish someone would have taught me how to take better family firework shots! (You notice there are no shots of us and the fireworks at the same time?) Oh well. There’s always next year. Like I said, it’s a process.

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About Rick Smith

Hi, I'm Noah's Dad and I'm passionate about giving the world a window into our life as we raise our son who was born with Down syndrome. I also enjoy connecting with other families, so let's stay connected.

Comments

Just found your page via twitter (thanks for the follow). This page is very cool. We have two kids with DS (13 and 1.5) and I check out several DS parent blogs but yours might be the most innovative. Always good to hear from the dads perspective. Thanks!

You know, no one has ever asked. I like how you put – we hit the genetic jackpot. And we have an older son that is great with his siblings.
We don’t have a blog – I’ve thought about it, but we’re really not very interesting.

Just want to make every dad of a child with DS aware that there is a national group of us called D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) out there, and you should definitely be part of it! It’s a great opportunity to talk with other dads about the unique perspective of dads on their kids with DS. The one I go to has helped me tremendously.
Joe